The 46 Best Frozen Foods in America

There’s an old cliche that says if you’re looking for love, forget about the singles bars. The real action is in the frozen foods aisle of your supermarket, where men and women unencumbered by domestic attachment (and, presumably, cooking skills) gather to hunt down the evening’s meals.

While we’re not sure the freezer section can quite hold a candle to Tinder, we do know one thing: finding foods you can love—and that will love you back—truly is possible, if you know what to look for. And microwave meals aren’t as nutritionally destitute as you might think—in fact, they can lead to quick weight loss: A 2014 study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that when you opt for a frozen meal from the grocery store, you’ll consume an average of 253 fewer calories and 2.6 fewer grams of saturated fat per day than if you stopped at a fast food joint.

Whether you’re serious about nutrition or just cruising the frozen food scene looking for Mr. Hot Pockets, we’ve got the lowdown on the best options in your supermarket. The researchers of Eat This, Not That! put on their mittens and reached deep into the freezer section to find the 46 best frozen meals.

FROZEN BREAKFAST ENTREES

You want to start every morning with a healthy dose of protein (think 10 grams and up) and a belly-filling boost of fiber (try for 5 grams and up). The dishes we chose here meet at least one of those criteria.

1

Jimmy Dean Delights Turkey Sausage Breakfast Bowl

As we said, an ideal breakfast includes a substantial load of protein, and this bowl has that nailed. Protein accounts for 40 percent of the calories, which increases your odds of making it to lunch without snacking. Blast even more fat by mixing and matching these essential best-ever proteins for weight loss!

2

Kashi Blueberry Waffles

Blueberries figure prominently in these first-rate waffles, explaining the huge hit of fiber. You’ll also get nearly half a day’s worth of whole grains—without the artificial colors you’ll find in Eggos.

This is a lean protein machine. Thank the bacon, one of the leanest meats at the breakfast table. And speaking of breakfast muffins, see where one American McClassic lands on our essential ranking of every menu item at McDonald’s!

FROZEN PASTA ENTREES

Kashi Chicken Pasta Pomodoro

Small savings in everyday choices is the key to sustainable weight loss. A simple savings of
20 calories every day adds up to 2 pounds a year. That’s 20 pounds over the course of a decade—and no more love handles. With fewer calories than most other frozen chicken dishes, this will get you there.

SeaPak Salmon Burgers

Toss this on the grill, then sandwich it between a toasted bun with arugula, grilled onions, and Greek yogurt spiked with olive oil, garlic, and fresh dill. Pair it with one of these fat-burning soups, and you have a full, healthy meal.

Gourmet Dining Shrimp Stir Fry

American interpretations of Asian cuisine tend to be high in sodium, but this solid blend of fiber and protein more than makes up for it.

FROZEN CHICKEN ENTREES

High in protein and always lean, chicken is our go-to in the frozen aisle—just be careful of what it’s sauced in, especially if you see sugar in the ingredients. That’s how the calorie count gets jacked up.

Newman’s Own Beef & Broccoli Complete Skillet Meal

The first ingredient in this bag is broccoli. In the cost-conscious world of processed foods, that’s exceedingly rare. Pair this veggie with one of our best frozen meals.

FROZEN SIDES, SNACKS AND APPS

Because so many frozen sides are baked, instead of fried, you can find some healthy choices. And to see how your favorite McFry pans out, don’t miss our special report on every fast-food French fry—ranked!

So Delicious Chocolate Velvet

So Delicious cuts the fat without needing to make up for it with an extra hit of sugar. Thanks to organic soymilk, you’ll get plant-based protein and fiber in each bite. Pair it with some sliced bananas.

So Delicious Fudge Bars

Low in sugar and overall calories, this is a good treat to keep in mind even if you’re not lactose intolerant. Unlike dairy desserts, this treat’s saturated fat content comes from brain-boosting, plant-based MCTs.